James Duffecy (1912 – 1983) evangelist and authorAt the outbreak of World War Two, Open Air Campaigners began welfare work in the military camps. Duffecy served at Largs, Greta, Rutherford and Bathurst camps. After the war Duffecy found his real life’s work, preaching Christ in the open air. Equipped with strong voice, pleasant personality, tenacious spirit and well-equipped gospel van he began daily visits to the Sydney water front, as well as lunch-hour factory meetings, boldly presenting Jesus Christ.

Wallace Guilford (1896 – 1988) open air and children’s evangelistGuilford was widely regarded as the foremost children’s evangelist in Australia. His main publication, Winning the Children to Christ (Sydney, 1949) reached three editions and was widely influential. Always a pioneer in the use of visual aids, Guilford recognised the unique opportunities opened up by radio and television. In 1967 he and some friends commenced Bible Radio Productions.Continue reading →

Robert Gordon (1888 – 1971) Sydney evangelistWorking mainly in Sydney and NSW, his ministry at city parks, factories and Sunday evening city meetings will long be remembered. Crowds of fifteen hundred miners would surround the wagon for hours as he preached to them during depression days on the Newcastle coalfields. Thousands were converted under his unique ministry.

George Edward Ardill (1857 – 1945) evangelist and social workerWhile still in his 20s, Ardill devoted himself to full-time charity organising. As a printer and Gospel preacher in 1882, he opened a Women’s Refuge known as the ‘Home of Hope for Friendless and Fallen Women’. With his wife Louisa, he then initiated the Blue Ribbon Gospel Army, which ran the Home of Hope, the Discharged Prisoners’ Mission and the Open All Night Refuge.

Andrew Forrest (1961 – ) mining magnateForrest publicly pledged this year to give away most of his fortune. He revealed the biggest inspiration for his giving: the Bible. Forrest’s devout Christianity is unusual for a prominent Australian entrepreneur.

Ken and Jocelyn Elliott ( – ) Burkina Faso doctors An Australian couple have been kidnapped by extremists in Burkina Faso near the country’s borders with Niger and Mali, officials say. The Burkina Government said they were kidnapped in Baraboule, and a Malian Islamist group said the couple were in the hands of Al Qaeda-linked jihadists.Continue reading →